Texas: A wave of student visa cancellations has caused a shock wave through the U.S. international student community, Texas has become the most affected state to date.
More than 122 international students reportedly terminated their visas or immigration status. These changes were conducted through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVI), which demonstrates that their legitimate status in the country poses a serious threat.
Authorities have not yet issued an official explanation for the sudden change. However, immigration experts believe the move may be related to tightening immigration policies, increased social media surveillance, and certain political motives.
Based on available data, affected universities in Texas include:
- University of North Texas (UNT): 27 students
- University of Texas at Arlington: 27 students
- Texas A&M University: 23 students
- University of Texas at Dallas: 19 students
- University of Texas at Rio Grande: Nine students
- Texas Women’s University: Four students
- Texas Tech University: Three students
- University of Texas El Paso: 10 students
In addition, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston have confirmed changes in immigration status for some international students, although exact figures have not been disclosed.
According to the vice president of the Senate of the University of North Texas, SEVIS status of 16 students was initially terminated, and later increased to 27. Most of the affected students are graduate-level, and university officials confirm that they are actively communicating with these students.
In a recent statement, the Department of Homeland Security announced it would begin surveillance of international students’ social media accounts to screen what it calls “anti-Semitism” content.
The move comes after two execution orders issued by President Donald Trump, which suggests stricter measures against pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses, many of which took place in Texas.
“The evacuation from Sevis weakens students’ legal due process rights. It pops them out of the immigration system without proper explanation,” said Naim Sukhia, an immigration attorney based in Dallas.
According to Sukhia, losing Sevis not only ended the academic path of students, but also endangered the legal status of dependents such as spouses and children.
He explained that the options for affected students are very limited because they can leave the country or apply for a long, uncertain and complex legal process.
Nevertheless, Sukia stressed that students receiving such notifications should immediately contact the designated school officials (DSOs) and explore the possibility of restoration. “Although it’s a long and uncertain process, it’s still worth pursuing,” he advised.
Meanwhile, according to US media reports, most of the students affected by visa cancellation come from South Asian countries and the Middle East.
Several affected students and their advocacy groups are considering legal actions to challenge the decision in court. Meanwhile, the social media campaign with the hashtag #SavetExastudents is gaining traction, demanding justice and support for international students.
A spokesperson for the University of Texas at Dallas commented: “This is an evolving situation and we have been in touch with affected students to guide them through this uncertainty.”
The University of North Texas added that 19 of the 27 students removed from Severus are indispensable members of the university’s international academic community.
Texas, a leading destination for international students in the United States, now seems to be turning into a challenging environment for foreign educators.
Experts warn that if this trend continues, it could shut the door to higher education in the United States to thousands of aspiring students around the world. Meanwhile, the attorney urges affected students and their families to consult an experienced immigration attorney immediately for further guidance and support.
